Unforeseen circumstances will cancel 500,000 holidays this year

Unforeseen circumstances such as illness and flight cancellations interfere with the holiday plans of more than half a million Britons each year.

Over half a million Britons will have to cancel their holiday plans this year due to unforeseen circumstances, according to Sainsbury's Bank travel insurance.

The provider said flight delays, falling ill before travelling, and missing a departure all make up the list of obstacles travellers can face prior to arrival at their holiday paradise.

Sainsbury's Bank's research also said as many as 15 per cent of travellers will not have insurance and are therefore unlikely to receive any of their money back.

"EU legislation has recently changed concerning flight delays, providing passengers with greater protection," said travel insurance manager Robert O?May.

"However, there are many other reasons why you may miss your departure or are unable to travel at the last minute such as cancellations or falling ill," he added.

"Here, taking out adequate travel insurance can go a long way to making sure you are covered for most eventualities."